Most Irish and Irish-Americans are aware of the private generosity of Americans during the Famine years in Ireland. The role of the American government is another story. "Indeed, no imagination can conceive, no tongue express, no brush paint the horror of the scenes which are daily exhibited in Ireland," observed senator Henry Clay in 1847. Calling upon the support of his … [Read more...] about American Relief Efforts and the Irish Famine
Archives for March 1995
Translations
A behind the scenes take on Translations, the Brien Friel play, ahead of its 1995 Broadway opening, and a trip to the Boston preview. In the bare rehearsal room a few chairs and a desk represented the hedge school of Brian Friel's Translations. Brian Dennehy as Master Hugh O'Donnell entered not from the wings but from a card table where he had been drinking coffee and … [Read more...] about Translations
Circle of Friends
Scheduled for release later this month Circle of Friends the movie from the hugely popular novel of the same name by Maeve Binchy is reviewed by Colin Lacey. Near the beginning of Circle of Friends, college heartthrob Jack marvels at the forthright personality and self-awareness of fellow University College Dublin student Benny, the gauche young country girl whose life he … [Read more...] about Circle of Friends
The Irish of Dubuque, Iowa
They didn't all settle in the big cities on the East Coast. Many Irish immigrants headed for the frontier, where cheap land and mining jobs awaited them. The January 14, 1841, edi- tion of the Philadelphia Catholic Herald includes this letter from Charles Corkery, one of Dubuque, Iowa's first Irish settlers: "My sole desire is to direct the attention of Catholics (Irish … [Read more...] about The Irish of Dubuque, Iowa
Irish American of the Year: A Very Special Envoy
Jean Kennedy Smith has now been ambassador to Ireland for two years, during which time she has played a leading role in the peace process. Niall O'Dowd interviews and profiles the 1995 "Irish American of the Year." "Next to President of the United States, Ambassador to Ireland is surely one of the best jobs an Irish American can hold," says Jean Kennedy Smith who was … [Read more...] about Irish American of the Year: A Very Special Envoy




